Musically Minded Academy

We really enjoyed this summer camp. What a cool idea! We liked that there was a nice range of ages (kids from about 3 – 11 years old). My child was one of the youngest, so her participation was mainly around thinking about what character she wanted to be in the play while the older kids helped write out the plot and script. Everyone then worked on costumes and the set decorations. My child enjoys arts and crafts was very proud of her contributions to the props.
They then rehearse which is a bit challenging for younger children — the concept of practicing and performing didn’t take hold until day 4 and they had to do some re-​writing to accommodate my child’s ability to remember/​say lines. Anna was very patient and able to meet her at her level. Everything worked out in the end and the Friday performance was adorable.
It’s definitely more of a casual, family-​run place which is refreshing though it may not work well for children that require a lot of supervision. All in all, my child has fond memories of her experience and I know that it’ll be much easier for her to participate in future performance-​based events.

My children just participated in a summer musical theater camp under the care of Anna O. The atmosphere was as if you are part of the family, causal and fun. Kids had freedom to be themselves while pursuing the group goal of putting on a well-​rehearsed original play by the end of the week. The kids, in a small group with several caring adults and teen helpers, participated writing the script, making the set, costuming and make-​up, and choreographing with the live music. A very unique experience and a good look inside everything it takes to produce a show, just in case your «star» thinks it’s all about being in front. The result was not just adorable but surprisingly funny and cohesive, and definitely conveyed the pay off that comes from «sticking with it».

This review is for KATY LUO, piano instructor at the Academy. As an adult learner, who comes with 40+ years of learned behaviors, neuroses and self-​expectations, I am constantly impressed with her ability to adjust her teaching and approach to help me get past the obstacles I create for myself. She carefully listens to my concerns and challenges and then gives me different practicing and thinking strategies, based on what she’s really hearing me say (Katy, if this piano thing doesn’t work out for you, try counselor/​therapist! ;-). She is a wealth of interesting information on the history of the instrument, theory and how music has evolved. Above all, she’s fun, patient and persistent. As much as I may sometimes hate my piano, she’s the reason I keep going back!

The second in the faculty concert Sunday Brunch series with Terence Brewer and Alan Hall – wow! You’ll never hear better jazz at any club, and this was at a family gathering for Sunday Brunch. Can’t get over what a show it was – music, commentary, ambience, food – the whole package. Can’t wait for August 21 when Alan Hall returns with his own quartet.